Violence Erupts at Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s Defection to ADC in Lagos: Thugs Storm Venue Amid Police Presence
Trending: Political Tensions Escalate in Lagos Ahead of 2027 Elections
As Nigeria’s opposition gears up for the 2027 general elections, a planned defection ceremony for former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) descended into chaos on September 6, 2025, in Alimosho, Lagos State. Suspected thugs, allegedly backed by security operatives, invaded the event venue, attacking attendees and injuring GRV’s personal photographer. The incident, which unfolded despite prior approvals for the gathering, has ignited accusations of state-sponsored intimidation against opposition voices, drawing widespread condemnation and highlighting the fragile state of political freedoms in Africa’s most populous city.
Chaos at the Defection Ceremony
The event was intended as a formal declaration of GRV’s move from the LP to the ADC, a smaller opposition party positioning itself as a coalition platform for figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Originally scheduled at Lion Field in Alimosho, the venue was sealed off by police on September 5, despite organizers having obtained necessary permits and made full payment. GRV arrived at the site to find it barricaded by armed officers, who reportedly told him the order came “from above” and suggested he consult the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
Organizers hastily relocated to a secondary venue in the same area, but over 40 armed thugs—wielding machetes and other weapons—stormed the site shortly after, unleashing violence on ADC members and supporters. Eyewitnesses described a scene of pandemonium, with attackers dispersing the crowd in the presence of police who allegedly failed to intervene. GRV’s personal photographer was severely injured, macheted on the head and left unconscious in his car with his equipment damaged, before being revived by supporters. No arrests were made at the scene, and the attack forced the event indoors, where GRV proceeded with his declaration amid heightened tension.
Videos circulating on social media captured the assault, showing bloodied victims and fleeing attendees, with one clip from ARISE News garnering over 640,000 views. GRV paraded the injured photographer before journalists, stating, “The people that came are thugs and they were guided by the police. They macheted me and left me for dead. This is the height of it.”
GRV’s Defection and Accusations of Sabotage
Despite the disruption, GRV formally received the ADC flag from Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru and addressed supporters, framing his move as a strategic step toward opposition unity. “This is a coalition that is meant to rescue Nigeria. I have said since after the 2023 elections that we cannot afford to divide the opposition going into the next election. We must come together, united through a robust coalition that will stand a chance in 2027 to deliver this country,” he said. He accused the APC of orchestrating the violence to stifle dissent, adding, “We are not holding a political rally but a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do. However, we will meet with the Commissioner of Police to know why his men are here and whether they are carrying out their duty of providing us protection or otherwise.”
Ashiru welcomed GRV, describing the defection as “affirming a movement” that shook Lagos in 2023. “We are not affirming one man; we are affirming a movement. What Rhodes-Vivour represents is the leadership of a movement that shook Lagos in the last election,” he stated. The event was billed as a milestone for the ADC’s coalition-building, potentially involving LP’s Obidient movement and PDP elements.
GRV, who garnered over 360,000 votes in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial race—finishing second to APC’s Babajide Sanwo-Olu—has been a vocal critic of the ruling party. His defection follows internal LP rifts and aligns with calls for a united front against APC dominance.
Police Denial and APC Mockery
The Lagos State Police Command swiftly distanced itself from the allegations in a statement on September 7, 2025, signed by Deputy PRO Babaseyi Oluseyi. “The allegations by a section of a Political Party of the Police Personnel supporting one Political Party against the other is completely false, misleading and a disservice to the Lagos State Police Command,” it read. The command explained that deployments in Alimosho were routine patrols for crime prevention, starting September 4, and not targeted interference. “The deployment… is aimed to protect the citizenry, lives and property,” the statement emphasized, denying any collusion with thugs.
The APC Lagos chapter dismissed the defection as a “failed move” and political opportunism. Spokesperson Seye Oladejo mocked GRV, saying, “He is only following the footsteps of his mentor, Peter Obi, who is known for moving from one party to another whenever it suits him. For us in the APC, this is nothing but noise.” The party claimed GRV posed no threat and vowed to defeat any opposition candidate in 2027.
Background: A Pattern of Political Thuggery in Lagos
Lagos, a key battleground for Nigerian politics, has a history of electoral violence and state interference, particularly during opposition events. The 2023 elections saw widespread allegations of thuggery and voter suppression against LP candidates, with GRV’s campaign marred by attacks and legal battles. The ADC’s emergence as a coalition vehicle stems from post-2023 fragmentation in the opposition, with GRV’s move signaling a potential realignment to consolidate anti-APC forces. Similar disruptions have targeted ADC events nationwide, raising fears of a coordinated clampdown ahead of 2027.
Human Rights Watch and local NGOs have long criticized the weaponization of police against dissenters, with a 2024 report documenting over 200 bias incidents. The incident also coincides with rumors of Peter Obi’s attendance, amplifying its significance.
Next Steps: Calls for Investigation and Unity
GRV vowed to pursue justice, planning to engage the Commissioner of Police and possibly escalate to federal authorities or the National Human Rights Commission. Opposition leaders, including Atiku’s representative Prof. Ola Olateju, urged resilience: “Believe in your capacity to offer an alternative for Nigerians.” The ADC called for probes into the violence, while civil society demands bodycam footage and independent inquiries.
Citizens are encouraged to report incidents via the police hotline (08000052560) or SERAP’s platform. As the dust settles, the event may galvanize opposition coalitions, with GRV eyeing a 2027 gubernatorial bid under ADC.
Conclusion: A Stark Reminder of Democratic Fragility
The violent invasion of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s defection venue exposes the undercurrents of intimidation plaguing Nigerian politics, where opposition gatherings become battlegrounds. Despite the chaos, GRV’s resolve and the ADC’s welcome signal a defiant push for unity against APC dominance. For Lagosians and Nigerians, the takeaway is urgent: in the fight for 2027, protecting democratic spaces demands vigilance, accountability, and collective action—lest thuggery silences the voices of change.